Because Love ~

Don't let the sun go down without saying thank 

you to someone, and without admitting to yourself

 that absolutely no one gets this far alone...

How fortunate I am to have 2 step-daughters who i 

am happy to also call friends.  Victoria is Arvid's eldest

 daughter.  When we met I won't lie and say it was all

 peachy, but what I can say is that today I 

have a great relationship with her.

She is kind.  Considerate and always there 

to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate.  Every

 Christmas she and Michael have this beautiful tradition.

  They go to the cemetery.  There she had her grandfather, 

Arvid's dad and her grandmother, her mom's mother.

Victoria and Michael do this beautiful "ceremony" 

of lighting a candle at her grandfathers grave.  

How much more fortunate can I be?

  Every year my name is also there.  For that I am 

always so grateful.  I do not know if she knows it,

 but I admire her and I think she is a one of a kind girl. 

 Together she and Michael are DYNAMITE.  I love 

you Victoria and I am happy to be not only your step-

 mother, but a friend.  I am always here if you need me.

Arvid's youngest daughter, Michelle is the mother 

of our 2 granddaughters.  Michelle is one of the strongest,

 most resilient person I have met, and I am also happy 

to call her a friend.  I love her and the girls

 like crazy because they symbolize love.

I am also always here for all of you.

Have enough courage to trust love

 one more time and always one more time...

~Nadiya~

Sunday Vibes ~

Be happy.  Be bright.  Be you...

Embrace the day.  Life is not the way it is 

supposed to be.  It is the way it is.  The way you

 cope with it is what makes the difference.  

Good morning everyone.  We have woken up to a day 

without rain for a change.  Happy about that. We

 have had rain for the last 3 days.  Sure put a little damper

 on our plans.  Not complaining because at least it is warm.  Many have rain plus freezing temperatures.

Even though rain is predicted for today, at least 

right now the skies are bright.  Always something 

positive in each day.  Christmas is soon here.

Wishing everyone a happy Sunday.  Let's remember

 that though we may not control all the events that happen

 to us we can decide not to be reduced by them.

You alone are enough.  You have nothing to prove 

to anybody.  Live as though life was created for you...

~Nadiya~

Saturday ~

Happiness is when what you think, what 

you say, and what you do are in harmony...

Because mornings are one of my most favorite times of the day.

Together with Sniff we have peaceful quiet times.  We both love it.

It is not how much we have, but how 

much we enjoy, that makes happiness...

~Nadiya~

A Great Day Here ~

Opportunities don't happen. You create them...

Arvid and I never need a reason to celebrate, but 

yesterday we had a pretty good one, and celebrate we did.

  At least we had our first toast to the closing on the house. 

 Today hopefully we will do some more celebrating.

It rained all day yesterday on and off.  Not exactly 

how we would have wanted the day to be, but it

 sure didn't stop the closing from happening.

Mom and dad have been staying in Miami while here,

 and today they leave to go to Orlando.  Next week we will 

be seeing them again, and because of that I smile a lot.

Happy Friday everyone.  It's a very good day here.

All progress takes place outside the comfort zone...

~Nadiya~

CLOSED SALE ~ SOLD!!!

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying 
to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment...

Arvid and I have been working on this house a 

little over a year.  We have done more work for this 

listing than we have ever done for one of our own.  

Today all our very hard work has paid off.

Today we closed on it.  Today a new owner owns

 his own little piece of Paradise, and we could not be any happier. 

 The "old" owners are also very happy.  They came to realize 

that it is not that easy to maintain a property here

 in the USA while living in Norway.

Everyone is happy, but I think the 2 happiest are Arvid

 and I. I guess this calls for a celebration soon.

Life is good.  Live it.  Enjoy it.

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, 
but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, 
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do...

~Nadiya~

So Happy ~

A happy moment can last a lifetime if you

 remember to smile when you think of it...

Yesterday my parents came over for lunch.  

It was a brief visit, but so very good.

Arvid said to me, "you are now becoming a wine drinker."

What can I say, the wine was really good.  Made me happy.

We will be seeing my mom and dad again next 

week in Tampa at my sisters' home.  I can't wait

 to spend time again with them, and with my 

sisters and their families.  I love Christmas.

It’s the moments that I stopped just to be, rather 

than do, that have given me true happiness... 

~Nadiya~

Life ~

Life becomes easier when you open your mind 

and accept that you can't always get what you want...

Today like everyday, I start the day with a 

grateful heart.  Sometimes we all forget all the things

 we should be grateful for.  It happens, but then we get 

a reminder and we realize that what we all take

 for granted someone else is praying for.

It's called life.  Take me for example, every 

so often I have a moment of so much grief.  

I think of Brutus and yes Shadow.  

I often think of how I want to have my 

Brutus back right here next to me.  Then I 

look at my side and there is our Sniff.  

Sniff who I love like crazy, and I realize 

how grateful and thankful I am to have

 the privilege to have this little fur baby. 

 Who loves us and whom we love.

In life we have to realize that we can't

 always get what we want.  But if we are 

lucky we can get what we need.

Happy day to all and it's just 

a few days until Christmas.

Life’s true gift lies in your freedom to design it

 beautifully. With each rise of the sun, you get to chase 

the opportunity to fill your days with meaning—

to live your life the way you choose...

~Nadiya~

Peaceful Morning ~

When I get up early, I appreciate the quiet time

 to enjoy a coffee or just let my thoughts wander...

Tuesday.  Woke up early again.  Played with Sniff and had 

some relaxing time with a good book and my cafe.

Thew weather is gorgeous.  Arvid and I keep enjoying our walks.

Not too much planned for today.  Little busy in the morning,

 but our afternoon is open for whatever the day brings.

The last few days there has been an abundance

 of huge boats passing by.  More than usual.  Arvid, 

Sniff and I have been enjoying the sights.

The mornings are always so peaceful.  Very

 quiet and relaxing.For the next hour or so it's just

 Sniff and I awake.  Arvid is still in dreamland.

Good morning all.  It's soon Christmas day.

I'm an early bird, partly because I like to have 

some quiet time and partly because by 9am emails 

begin arriving, the phone starts ringing and I

 have dragons to kill of one sort or another...

~Nadiya~

New Week Again ~

Life offers you so many doors.  It's up to

 you which you open and which one to close...

Nine more days until Christmas.  Nine more days

until it's my mom's birthday.  I am happy because they

have been in Florida now for almost a week and soon we

 will be seeing them.  A little break from the harsh cold

 is always good.  On the other hand, they use to live

 in Florida and chose to leave.  Go figure.

Yesterday J and my sister Nirvana came to us.

We spent some time at our place then we took them 

out to lunch.  The coolest part is we take the boat to the

 restaurant.  A treat to all who have been here so far.

I looked back at "old" photos and of course everyone

was so little.  Arvid is just the best when it comes

 to my nieces and nephews.  They all love him

 and with each he has his own special bond.

Yesterday we had the best time with
my sister Nirvana and our nephew J.  Can't wait
 until we see them again on Christmas day

May the week ahead be a productive one and 

may kindness always be a part of every day.

Some people dream of success, while some people

 get up every morning and make it happen...

~Nadiya~

Weekend Vibes ~

Walk away from anything that gives you bad vibes. 

 There is no need to explain or make sense of it.  

It's your life.  Do what makes you happy...

The boat parade was a huge success; again.  

Last year we had my sister and husband over together 

with some friends.  Was a special time.  Always good

 spending time with good friends and family.

This we did not see much of the parade. 

 Just a few boats on, but truthfully we have seen it 

so often that it ceases to hold that "magical" spell

 over us.  Sad how we sometimes take for granted

 the same things many  would gladly have.

Even so, I must admit to being excited every
 time a boat passed by our balcony.  I was
running in and out to get pictures.  So I
guess, I do not take it for granted after all.

People line up along the River hours before the parade.

  Just to make sure they have the perfect view.  Others 

of course can just sit back and enjoy the boats

from the privacy of their own balcony.

Sunday begins always very relaxed and peaceful. 

 Sniff and I were awake early as usual.  Arvid is like

 clockwork.  In everything.  The time he wakes up,

 when he eats, when he showers.  Very structured.

  Sure not me.  He says I am way "too random"

Yesterday I had the day to myself.  Of course some
of it was spent enjoying the beach.  On Friday we had
clear blue skies, but yesterday it rained a bit making for
a cloudier day, but at the same time spectacular.  The
 waves just kept crashing on the shore.  Loved it.

The beach was quiet.  Just a few people enjoying quiet
walks and some alone time.  Some of my best times are
when I am on a beach, all by myself and my thoughts.

No outing would be complete without my favorite
 adult drink.  This time it was a Miami Vice. A few
of those and the evening started to look better.

Sarasota has a different vibe.  Different does
not mean not good.  It's relaxed and it feels more
like an island lifestyle.  Arvid and I have lived
 in an island so for us it was familiar.  Calming.

Sunday begins, and as Arvid says, "I'm done
with my Sunday calls." I guess now he can spend
the rest of the morning watching TV and when he's done
do a little vacuuming in preparation for our guests.

Wishing everyone a day filled with awesomeness.
 Remember to always be fearless in the pursuit
 of what sets your soul on fire.  Only way.

I know what I bring to the table, so trust me
 when I say I am not afraid to eat alone...

~Nadiya~

Greetings From Sarasota ~

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step...

Arvid and I are back in Sarasota. Sarasota is a city

 south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast that was once

 the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. 

Arvid and I arrived early yesterday, and we did 
not waste much time.  Little "party" going on and 
a little time to do some sightseeing on our own.  
Christmas spirit is everywhere and I love it.

Today, Sarasota hosts a number of cultural institutes,

 notably the Ringling Museum of Art, which

 showcases old masters and modern art. 

Sarasota is also the gateway to miles of beautiful

beaches with fine sand and shallow waters,

such as Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach.

It's what's know as one of Florida's hidden gems. 

 Just you, the sound of the waves and the breeze

 of the palm trees.  It's definitely paradise.

Greetings to all from beautiful Sarasota.

Today I plan to explore a little more on my own.  
Go to my favorite Indian restaurant, and do a little 
Christmas shopping.  Perfect day if you ask me.

A year from now you may wish you had started today.
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead
of a second-rate version of somebody else...

~Nadiya~

Friday Vibes Again ~

Make each day your masterpiece.

Be the energy you want to attract...

What better way to start the day than seeing the 

boats go by, and even better they are all decorated

 for the boat parade.  Tomorrow is the day.

Friday is looking really good and we are ready for everything 

it brings.  Arvid and Sniff are always happiest when watching

 soccer.  Sniff sleeps and Arvid.... well Arvid is Arvid.

It's one more day closer to Christmas.  One more

 day closer to my mom's birthday.  2019 has had it's up's

 and down's, but overall it has been a good year so far.  One

 always has to take the good with the not so good.  Life.

Happy day to all.  I've got that Friday feeling.

One small positive thought in the morning can 

change your whole day. Happy are those who take

 life day by day, complain very little, and are 

thankful for the little things in life...

~Nadiya~

Thursday December 12th ~

Unless you have bad times, you can't appreciate the 

good times. Good times become good memories 

and bad times become good lessons in life...

Another pretty Christmas decoration on Las Olas. 

 No matter how many times we go, I always have to 

take a picture of a decoration.  These Christmas 

balls decorate the trees on Las Olas Blvd.

We also get to see a few of the boats passing 

by our balcony, already prettily decorated and just 

waiting to be in the boat parade on Saturday.

We are having warmer than usual temperatures, 

whereas most of the nation and other countries are 

experiencing extreme cold.  I am always grateful and 

thankful.  Arvid and I always make the most of it.

  One of our favorite times of the day is enjoying 

our tea on the balcony after breakfast.

Good morning everyone.  It's the start of another

 beautiful day.  Always remember that the difference 

between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.

 Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone 

else's life.  It's time to start living the life you've imagined... 

~Nadiya~

That Wonderful Time Of The Year ~

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air...

Nothing better than evening strolls along Las Olas Blvd

 at Christmastime.  The lights, the people, the festivities, and

 the entertainment are quite fascinating, and while Arvid 

enjoys something he likes, I also enjoy what

 I like.  Makes for two happy people.

Arvid and I had a great time just walking around
 and checking out the Christmas festivities.  I have to
admit that I love it more than Arvid, but he does like the
walks just as much.  The walks are relaxing he says.

Yesterday we had a trip to Miami.  We took some
 good friends to the airport, and after that Arvid
and I decided to spend a little time and enjoy
a nice little lunch by the water.  Was good.

Even though Miami is under an hour for us to get to,
 we don't go there too often, so when we do go I really enjoy it.
  Miami has a different vibe.  I love living in Fort Lauderdale,
and at the same time I do enjoy day trip to Miami.

Arvid and I worked in the morning and spent a
relaxing time afterward just enjoying the weather,
good food, drinks and people watching.  The simple
 things in life, these are always the very best.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day.  Let's not forget
that you can't live a positive life with a negative mind.

Strong women aren't simply born.  They are
 made by the storms they walk through...

~Nadiya~

Happy Vibes ~

There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy...

The new week began with a bang.  The weather is 

gorgeous and Arvid and I are really making the most of it.

One of our favorite things to do in the afternoons is going 

for little walks.  Relaxing and always intersting to see 

what's going on in our area.  Plus we get some exercise. 

 Win-Win any which way you look at it.

The entire downtown landscape are cranes and 

more cranes.  Construction is rampant and the skyline at 

times becomes pretty interesting.  Arvid loves to watch the

 cranes going up and down and we enjoy seeing all the progress 

being made on a daily basis.  And yes, no matter where

 you turn, everywhere is lined with palm trees.

Many of the boats are already decorated in preparation for the

 Winterfest Boat Parade which will be on the 14th of December.

Sniff and I have been awake since 4:45 am.  

Sniff ate, ran around a little and is now back in bed

 with his daddy.  Unfortunately, I don't seem to be able

 to sleep any more for now.  Long day awaits me,

 and we have lots going on.  Life!

There was a beautiful moon out this morning and

 I managed to capture it.  Always happy about that. 

Wishing everyone a good morning a great week ahead. 

 The days are going by fast, so make the most of everyday and

 always remember to have some fun no matter what you do.

Be so busy loving your life that you 

have no time for hate, regret or fear...

~Nadiya~